COMMUNITY WORKING GROUP MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME

Ever felt cold shivers down your spine because of a particular challenge but at the same time you want to face it head on? This was exactly how I felt when Arnalie asked ‘Would you be available to facilitate for your group, Chisom?’ in her sweet subtle voice during one of our Mentorship review meetings.

I was shocked to my bones and I literally had goose pimples all over, I didn’t see it coming. It would be my first time handling such a role and my group members are all experienced persons in the geospatial sector. All I wanted to do was scream ‘Nooo!’ out of fear and uncertainty but at the same time, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself for a change, so, after a little silence while battling with these thoughts in my head, I responded ‘Yes, I’d love to’. After accepting the role, I was encouraged and she told me I could always reach out to her if I need her assistance.

After the meeting, I received a message of my expected duties as a facilitator and all I could say was ‘Lord, help me’.

Gradually, I started initiating conversations on the group slack page (which was one of my responsibilities) and on the 7th November, 2022 we held our first group meet where I was the official facilitator. As the time for the meeting drew near, I got more anxious, I could only hope to get it right.

Fast forward to the meeting and every other meeting and discussion we had as a group via Google Meet and on the slack page, all of which turned out great and smooth, all thanks to my awesome group members; Laxmi Goparaju, Anuradha Rajanayake, Antonin Haas and Charles Chilufya. They were all supportive, never withholding any of their great ideas to ensure we succeeded as a team and together, we were able to deliver our legacy project in good time. I grew more confident with each meeting.

I am really proud of myself that I didn’t shy away from the opportunity to challenge myself and more proud when Arnalie applauded me for the work I was doing.

I am also super grateful for other amazing people I got to work with during the Mentorship Program; Arnalie Vicario, Pete Masters, Angela Tyevi, Omowonuola Akintola, Benedicta Ohene, Chisom Ejeh, Yes Emmanuel.

In all, I honestly can’t wait for more opportunites to challenge myself in the year 2023.

Chisom Okwuchi,

CWG Mentorship Member, 2022.

Unique Mappers Network, Nigeria.